Paul S

Billy Sheehan has been mentioned, you could point them in the direction of Geezer Butler? Steve Harris? Pete Way? Do they lack attack? I find it odd that they chose you to play bass for them and now want you to play differently. FWIW I play rock (and everything else) with a pick.

[quote name='stingrayPete1977' timestamp='1321625001' post='1441344'] To my eyes his new reduced sig is no bigger than yours or sildx's? [/quote] Interesting. I just measured a few, as they appear on my screen. Leemarc's is 132mm in between the lines of the signature. Nigel's is 106mm mine was 98mm yours a compact 61mm So either my screen, my ruler or your eyes are in need of some attention But you are right, my signature was far too big - no-one gives a toss about my gear list or band links so I have edited out all the sh*te .

I have little to contribute but was thinking 'my god this signature is huge and a little bit like SPAM' - not realising until I finished reading the thread it was the small version! I play with a pick almost exclusively but have spent some time with slap and fingerstyle, sort of equally, to try and be more rounded in my playing (as opposed to my waistline, which I have managed to get more rounded in quite well). I have reached a point where I can play an elementary slap well enough for a track or two that I think it suits when gigging but am still unable to get enough control or accuracy playing fingerstyle to unleash it on an unsuspecting public.

[quote name='matski' timestamp='1321615124' post='1441159'] I hum whilst playing. [/quote] Yes, I do this too. Quite loudly hum the bass part I am playing and have to retreat from the mike to stop it coming over the pa. Casual viewing of any video footage reveals that, in addition I nod my head, lower my jaw and hollow out my cheeks, tap my feet and generally fidget. In fact I look a complete prat. But it is all done without realising.

Would it be tempting fate? to say I think it is good that Midgets aren't on offer because I would struggle to justify buying one but struggle just as hard not to.

MP, I was hoping you wouldn't say that.... but... you could justifiably call me shallow because I just don't like red guitars. I have no doubts it would see off the Bass Collection - I love the way that is made but the tone is not so good. And your 800 really looks quality. But, no matter how much of a steal it is, it remains very red

OK, thanks for that. I'm not short of the odd bass to tide me over until one comes along.... I am majorly curious to see how these better Ibanez models stack up against the SGC Nanyo Bass Collection, Yamaha RBX800E and Precision Lyte that I have at the moment - the never ending search for the perfect lightweight bass!

I keep looking at that one but I really, and mean really, couldn't live with the colour. If it were, say, black it would be on my rack already.

That is really useful - thank you both for taking the time to write all that. What would anyone consider would be the advantage of this over the floor cans? I much prefer this idea but our singer seems to be sticking to his guns about floor cans. Having said that I am in two bands, neither of which have decent lights, so I might bite the bullet and get something to use for both, rather than have part 'band ownership' on 2 sets.

Can't find much info about this model - does anyone know much about it? Where it would rank in the SR hierarchy? I believe it is MIJ and am assuming it is lightweight with a fast, slim neck. There's one on the bay at the moment.

I've see the Rhythm Kings every year for the past few years - and again coming up at the end of the month. Top entertainment! Albert Lee is a megastar.

Just use your ears! That's what I did and I am a complete technophobe.

Look forward to a full review with interest, please!

I ran a Berlingo multispace for 7 years when I changed from needing a small van for work to something more versatile and car-like. Fold the back seats up (a 5 second job) and the load space is immense and VERY accessible - took drummer and guitarist to a gig in London one night with all my Trace rig, guitarists stack, 2 x guitars each and ALL the drum kit. The extra headroom means you can pack in a huge amount of gear. When you are done another 5 seconds sees the seats back to how they were and it is a family car again. On the downside it does look like an ice cream van, not that it was an issue for me, handles like one, too - was absolute sh*te in the snow and ice and it did start to develop some expensive faults after 60,000 miles. I now have a Skoda Yeti which beats it hands down in every way except the load space, which I miss, although the seats actually come out in the Yeti really easily to free up more space.

Warren - just out of interest who are you depping with? Anyone I'd like to see?

I play in 2 covers bands - one is light pop rock stuff, the other heavy classic rock - in pubs and small halls. Both are 2 x guitars, drums bass. I use a Barefaced compact on it's own with a TC Electronic Classic 450 - this rig is more than adequate, loads of headroom, beautiful clarity of sound. I went from a 'classic' Trace Elliot rig to this and prefer it in pretty well every way. Especially putting it in the boot. A slight finesse might be adding a Midget but I am pleased enough as is. Probably the only change I would make is swapping the Classic 450 for the RH450 so I could use the presets accessed via the footswitch.

I used Kent Armstrong - much the same price - on a split coil P-bass type bass and they were pretty good, really. But as has been said, if there is no rush you could hold out for secondhand - I just got a Seymour Duncan SPB3 for same sort of money.

I go over to Holland every June or July for a few days - I stay near Utrecht but drive about all over while I am there - go by Eurostar or the ferry. If that corresponds to anybody's time frame I am happy to transport it.

Just seen that - and it IS my choice of colour. not my choice of weight, though.. At the BIN it is a bargain, it may go for lower!

Sensible justification aside, if you a/ want more than one b/ can afford more than one c/ have room to keep more than one and d/ are not going to get into bother with any significant other by having more than one then I don't see it as an issue.

I don't think I wrote that clearly - I meant 'taking a hit' as in 'losing money by selling my Classic 450 almost immediately' then shelling out more for the RH450. At the time I didn't think it through and couldn't foresee a use for all the extra toys. Now I can see the benefit of it!

I recently bought the Classic 450 and am considering taking the hit on it and getting this - I would use it all the time!

You may possibly find the other band members feel the same. Whichever one it is that you get on best with, meet him one night and explain how you feel. It might be they are all pissed off with Mr Negativity, in which case HE should be the one to go. If not, and they are happy with him, then you have your other options to consider. But worth a try before burning your bridges?